benefits of jackfruits

Benefits of Jackfruits

1. Jackfruits

Jackfruit is very sweet and tasty, when the jackfruit is opened, you willfind thebright yellow pods (when ripe) which can be eaten raw or cooked. When unripe its flesh is green, and it can be made into a delicious vegetable dish. Apart from its delightful taste, jackfruit is also rich in important nutrient like vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, potassium,iron, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, magnesium and many other nutrients.

2. History

The exact origin of jackfruit is unknown, although it is believed to be indigenous to the rainforests of the Western Ghats of India, dating back to 3000 to 6000 years ago. Historians relate the discovery of jackfruits with the Indian Emperor, Ashoka, who encouraged the cultivation of several fruits, jackfruit being one of them. In 1782, certain plants were captured from a French ship and were taken to Jamaica and planted there. About 100 years later, the jackfruit appeared in Florida and was introduced into Brazil in the 19th century. Gradually, the fruit spread to other parts of India, Southeast Asia, East Indies and Philippines. Today, the jackfruit is the national fruit of Bangladesh and Indonesia.

3. What are the uses of jackfruit

The pulp of the young fruit is cooked as a vegetable, pickled or canned. Pulp of ripe fruit is eaten fresh or made into various local delicacies including chutney, jam, jelly, and paste, or preserved as candies by drying or mixing with sugar, honey or syrup. The pulp is also used to flavour ice cream and beverages, made into jackfruit honey, reduced to concentrate or powder, and used for preparing drinks. The seeds can be eaten boiled, roasted or dried and salted as table nuts, or they can be ground to make flour and blended with wheat flour for baking. Young leaves can be used as fodder for cattle and other live stock.

4. Varieties of jackfruit

There are different varieties of jackfruits in the world. In Kerala state situated in India, there are two varieties of jackfruit. Do you know which are they? Remember that the jackfruit varieties are 1.Kuzha 2.Varikka. In Kerala the terms like varikka chakka & kuzha chakka are more commonly used. It should be noted that there are differences between varikka chakka & kuzha chakka.

5. Jackfruit nutrition facts

Jackfruit is one of its own kind tropical fruits, recognized for its fruity flavor that can be appreciated from a distance. The fruit is unique for its size and delicious sweet taste. In common with other tropical fruits such asdurian,banana, etc., it is also rich in energy, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins and free from saturated fats or cholesterol, making it one of the healthy summer seasons treated to relish!

6. Immunity

Jackfruit contains an excellent source of Vitamin C. With a high amount of Vitamin C,antioxidantsit increases immune system function. It increases immunity to protect against common diseases like cough, cold and flu. Vitamin C also increases immune system function to protect from infections.

7. Energy

Jackfruit contains high amount of carbohydrate and calorie. It contains a good amount of simple sugar like fructose and sucrose, thus provide a quick boost of energy. Also it has no cholesterol content. Thus it makes thejackfruitmore safe and healthy food.

8. Protect from Cancer

Jackfruit is a rich source of antioxidants, phytonutrients andflavonoidthat make it highly beneficial to protect from cancer.Jackfruitcontains high amount of antioxidants which protects from oxygen free radicals. Free radicals are produced due to oxidative stress. These free radicalsdamagesDNA of the cell and turns the normal cell into a cancer cell. But antioxidants neutralize these free radicals and acts as a shield to protect DNA from free radicals.Jackfruitprotects from colon, lung and oral cavity cancer.

9. Maintain Blood Pressure

Jackfruit contains good amount of potassium. Potassium is required to maintain sodium level. Also high potassium is required to maintain fluid level i.e.tobalance electrolyte. Thus it helps to lower high blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack.

10. Improve Digestion

Jackfruit contains good amount of dietary fiber which makes it bulk laxative. Thus it improves digestion and prevents constipation. Jackfruit is rich in dietary fiber, which makes it a good bulk laxative. The fiber content helps to protect the colon mucous membrane by decreasing exposure time and as well as binding to cancercausing chemicals in the colon.